Australia Two-Year In-Service Evaluation

Smart Cushions In-Service

• 44 Smart Cushions have been deployed during the 2 years of this study
• The majority were used on the WestConnex M4 Widening and M4 East projects in NSW, as well as on the VicRoads projects at Laverton and Calder Hwy/Tullamarine Fwy intersection
• The Smart Cushions used in work zones are moved and stored as required, the number of active units at any given time cannot be ascertained
• At least 17 relocations of Smart Cushions were performed
• 31 of the Smart Cushions have required a reset or repair, these were all on WestConnex

Smart Cushion Resets

• LBA crew performed all 59 required resets in this period
• All resets were due to frontal impacts
• There was evidence of side impacts (eg. paint transfer, tyre marks etc.) however no damage was reported for repair
• Reset times were recorded from the moment inspection of the Smart Cushion started, to the time that the reset was completed and tools were packed away ready to leave site
• The average reset time was 55 minutes, and the median time was 49 minutes
• 25 resets were performed by a 1 man crew
• 18 resets were performed by a 1 man crew with assistance from a 3rd party vehicle for the pullout of the frame and mobile sheaves
• 2 or more men were used when one was being trained, a sled panel was being replaced or other work was conducted on the same night e.g. relocate a different Smart Cushion

To read the full report and view before and after reset photos, please click here.